Contemporary Rail Wagon, Handling Equipment and Freight Terminal Types Commonly Used For Commercial Purposes Internationally

摘要

This article provides an overview of the design requirements of rail freight transport technology that can help to be instrumental in the efficient and effective market participation of rail transport in the freight transport market. The article describes the most commonly used rail freight wagons, handling equipment and rail freight terminals for commercial purposes internationally. The investigation has indicated that subsequent to the economic deregulation of freight transport, there are nine rail wagon types manufactured and commonly used internationally. They are: (1) covered wagon/van; (2) refrigerated wagon/van; (3) flat wagon; (4) tank wagon; (5) well wagon; (6) open wagon; (7) hopper wagon; (8) side stanchion and centre partition wagon; and (9) motorcar wagon. The study revealed that the following three factors mainly dictate wagon design: (1) characteristics of the freight to be transported; (2) physical railway characteristics; and (3) the type of freight terminals and handling equipment necessary to efficiently and effectively accommodate and support rail freight transport.